Arsenal’s Champions League Victory
In Bilbao, Spain, Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Athletic Club. Manager Mikel Arteta was eager to highlight the vital contributions made by his substitutes.
Key Contributions from Substitutes
Players Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard emerged as key game-changers, delivering crucial goals after coming off the bench. Martinelli, who replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute, wasted no time to make his mark, scoring merely 36 seconds after his introduction. His goal, set up by Trossard, who had come on for Viktor Gyökeres just minutes earlier, showcased the impact of fresh legs in high-stakes matches.
The dynamic duo struck again in the 87th minute, with Trossard finding the net to cement Arsenal’s victory.
Arteta’s Reflections
Arteta praised the depth of his squad in his post-match comments, pointing out that substitutes can sometimes be even more influential than starters, especially in pivotal moments of the game.
“Sometimes the finishers will be more important than the starters this season. They made the impact to win the game,”
he stated to the media. He emphasized the emotional difficulty of leaving players out of the starting lineup, acknowledging their eagerness to compete in such a prestigious tournament.
“It hurts me to leave players on the bench; I know what the Champions League means to them. But ultimately, my focus must be on winning matches, and that’s why I must sometimes make hard choices,”
he explained.
Injury Concerns and Player Praise
In addition to the victory, Arteta addressed concerns regarding possible head injuries sustained by Gyökeres and Gabriel Magalhães during a first-half collision, affirming that there were no serious issues. He expressed delight in Martinelli’s performance, noting the spark he saw in the young winger’s eyes, indicating his readiness to make a significant impact.
“I adore Gabby. His attitude, commitment, and positivity are invaluable to the team. I’m thrilled that he played a decisive role in today’s match,”
Arteta said. He also commended the camaraderie between Martinelli and Trossard, foreseeing their partnership as a crucial asset for the season ahead.
